经胸超声心动图引导下行房间隔缺损封堵术治疗先天性房间隔缺损的临床研究

目的:探讨经胸超声心动图引导下行房间隔缺损封堵术治疗先天性房间隔缺损(Atrial septal defect,ASD)的临床疗效。方法:比较先天性ASD患者行超声心动图组(49例)或介入组(53例),患者的疗效及心脏功能的变化。结果:超声心动图组并发症发生率显著低于介入组(P0.05);术后4周,两组患者的心率、舒张期室间隔厚度(Interventricular septal thickness,IVST)、左室后壁厚度(Left ventricular posterior wall thickness,LVPWT)、左心室心肌重量(Left ventricular mass,LVM)和左心室心肌重量指数(Left ventricular mass index,LVMI)明显降低(P0.05),左心室射血分数(Left ventricular ejection fraction,LVEF)和左心室高峰充盈率(Left ventricular peak filling rate,LVPFR)均显著升高(P0.05),其余指标则无明显变化(P0.05);但术后1周超声心动图组的LVEF、IVST和LVMI即显著高于术前(P0.05)。结论:胸超声心动图引导下行ASD封堵术与X线介入封堵术疗效相当,但前者可能对ASD患者的心脏功能的改善更为显著。     

二维斑点追踪显像技术评价甲状腺功能亢进患者左心房功能的应用价值

探讨二维斑点追踪显像技术在(2DSTE)甲状腺功能亢进(甲亢)患者左心房功能评价中的应用价值。选取2015年6月至2018年6月本院甲亢患者100例作为甲亢组,同期选取体检中心健康人员100例作为健康组,采用2DSTE检测左心房容量[左心房最大容积(LAVmax)、最小容积(LAVmin)、左心房收缩前容积(LAVp)]、功能左心房被动射血分数(LAPEF)以及左心房主动射血分数(LAAEF)应变参数心室收缩期左心房整体应变率(sRs)、心室舒张早期左心房整体应变率(sRe)和心室舒张晚期左心房整体应变率(sRa),分析2DSTE对甲亢患者左心房功能的评价价值。甲亢组LAPEF、LAAEF明显低于健康组,甲亢组LAVmax、LAVmin、LAVp明显高于健康组,差异有统计学意义(P <0. 05);甲亢组sRs明显低于健康组,甲亢组sRe、sRa明显高于健康组,差异有统计学意义(P <0. 05); Pearson相关性分析结果显示,sRs与LAPEF、LAAEF呈正相关,sRe、sRa与LAPEF、LAAEF呈负相关(P <0. 05)。2DSTE对甲亢患者左心房功能具有良好评价价值,其sRs、sRe、sRa可作为评价患者左心房功能的重要指标,值得临床作进一步推广。     

超声心动图评价室间隔缺损封堵术前后心功能

目的:探讨经胸超声心动图(Transthoracic echocardiography,TTE)在评估室间隔缺损(Ventricular septal defect,VSD)封堵术前、后心脏负荷、功能变化的应用价值。方法:回顾性研究2007年1月至2012年8月广西医科大学一附院62例成功实施经皮穿刺VSD封堵术的患者资料。术前经超声筛查,术后3天、术后3个月、术后6个月及术后1年分别行TTE复查,常规测量左房收缩末期前后径(Left atrium end-systolic diameter,LAESD)、左室舒张末期前后径(Left ventricular end-diastolic diameter,LVEDD)、左室收缩末期前后径(Left ventricular end-systolic diameter,LVESD)、左室舒张末期容积(Left ventricular end-diastolic volume,LVEDV)、左室每博输出量(Left ventricular stroke volume,LVSV)、右室舒张末期前后径(Right ventricular end-diastolic diameter,RVEDD)、主肺动脉中段内径(Main pulmonary artery,MPA)、左室射血分数(Left ventricular ejection fraction,LVEF)、左室短轴缩短率(Left ventricular fraction shortening,LVFS)、三尖瓣反流压差(Pressure gradient of tricuspid regurgitation,PGTR)。结果:术后3个月、术后6个月、术后1年LAESD、LVEDD、LVESD、LVEDV、LVSV、MPA均较术前降低(P0.05),且术后3天LVEDD、LVEDV、LVSV、MPA均较术前降低(P0.05),术后3天LAESD、LVESD较术前差异无统计学意义(P0.05);术后3天PGTR较术前降低(P0.05),术后3个月、术后6个月、术后1年较术后3天无统计学差异(P0.05);术前、术后RVEDD、LVEF、LVFS差异无统计学意义(P0.05)。结论:TTE对VSD封堵术后心脏功能变化的评估有重要临床指导意义。     

RT-3DE 评估急性心梗PCI术后左室收缩功能及同步性的临床价值

目的:探讨实时三维超声心动图技术(realtime three dimensional echocardiography,RT-3DE)对评价急性心肌梗死(acute myocardial infarction,AMI)经皮冠状动脉介入治疗(percutaneous coronary intervention,PCI)术后左室收缩功能及同步性的临床应用价值。方法:选择30例左室急性前壁及前间壁心梗并进行急诊PCI术的患者和30例正常对照组,应用Philips IE33彩色多普勒超声成像仪对PCI术前及术后1个月的左心室功能指标进行二维常规超声检查及三维超声心动图检查,应用Q-lab6.0软件进行分析。结果:二维超声心动图显示AMI组术前左心室收缩末容量(ESV)及舒张末容量(EDV)较对照组比较明显增大(P0.01),左心室射血分数(EF)较对照组明显减小(P0.01);急性心肌梗死(AMI)组术后1个月左心室ESV及EDV较术前比较减小(P0.05),左心室EF较术前增大(P0.05);AMI组术后1个月左心室ESV及EDV较对照组比较增大(P0.05),左心室EF较对照组减小(P0.05);三维超声心动图的各参数比较,AMI组PCI术前梗死节段局部收缩末期容量(RESV)及局部舒张末期容量(REDV)较对照组增大(P0.05),左心室梗死节段局部射血分数(REF)较对照组减小(P0.05);AMI组患者梗死节段RESV及REDV术后1个月较术前比较减小(P0.05),梗死节段REF较术前比较有所增大(P0.05),AMI组术后1个月梗死节段RESV及REDV较对照组增大(P0.05),梗死节段REF较对照组减小(P0.05);左室16节段从QRS波起点到最小收缩容积时间的标准差和最大差值(Tmsvl6-SD、Tmsvl6-Dif)以及用R-R间期校正后的Tmsvl6-SD%(左室收缩不同步指数systolic dyssynchrony index,SDI)和Tmsvl6-Dif%较术前比较减小(p0.05)。结论:PCI手术前、后应用RT-3DE能够准确评价左心室17节段的局部收缩功能及运动同步性,对AMI患者心功能的研究具有重要意义。     

二尖瓣成形术与二尖瓣生物瓣置换术治疗风湿性二尖瓣重度关闭不全的效果比较

目的:探讨二尖瓣成形术(Mitral valve plasty,MVP)与二尖瓣生物瓣置换术(Mitral valve replacement,MVR)治疗风湿性二尖瓣重度关闭的临床疗效和安全性。方法:选择我院2014年1月至2019年1月收治的因风湿性二尖瓣重度关闭而行二尖瓣成形术或二尖瓣生物瓣置换术的患者60例,其中二尖瓣成形术组(MVP组)27例,二尖瓣生物瓣置换术组(MVR组)33例。比较两组患者的围手术期各项指标,治疗前后的心功能指标(左心室射血分数,左心房内径、左心室收缩末期内径、左心室舒张末期内径)及二尖瓣反流情况以及术后并发症的发生情况。结果:(1)MVP组患者的手术时间、体外循环时间均明显长于MVR组(P0.05);而术中出血量、呼吸机使用时间、住院时间MVP组均显著低于MVR组(P0.05);(2)术后,MVP组的LVEF和LVEDD水平高于MVR组,而LAD和LVESD水平则低于MVR组(P 0.05);(3)出院前及末次随访时,MVP组二尖瓣反流发生率与MVR组相比差异均无统计学意义(P0.05)。(4)MVP组患者的术后并发症发生率低于MVR组(P 0.05)。结论:二尖瓣成形术治疗风湿性二尖瓣重度关闭的临床疗效和安全性优于二尖瓣生物瓣置换术,但术者需严格掌控MVP的手术适应症。     

不同剂量替罗非班联合冠脉介入治疗对非ST段抬高型急性冠脉综合征的疗效及安全性

目的:探讨不同剂量替罗非班联合冠脉介入治疗对非ST段抬高型急性冠脉综合征(Non ST-segment elevation acute coronary syndromes,NST-ACS)的疗效及安全性。方法:选择我院2014年10月至2016年6月收治的110例NST-ACS患者,根据随机数字表法,分为全剂量组及半剂量组。观察两组患者治疗前后的TIMI血流分级情况、术前及术后30 d的心功能、主要心血管事件及出血事件、住院费用及住院天数。结果:与术前相比,两组的TIMI 2级和3级血流分级显著降低;术后30 d两组患者的左室收缩末期容积(left ventricular end diastolic volume,LVEDV)、左室舒张末期容积(left ventricular end systolic volume,LVESV)均明显下降,而左室射血分数(left ventricular ejection fraction,LVEF)均明显上升,P均0.05;而术前、术后组间TIMI血流分级、LVEDV、LVESV及LVEF对比无统计学意义,两组的主要心血管事件及住院时间对比差异无统计学意义,P均0.05;而全剂量组组的出血事件及住院费用对比明显高于半剂量组,P0.05。结论:半剂量组的替罗非班联合冠脉介入治疗对NST-ACS疗效显著,且可降低患者的出血事件及住院费用,值得临床推广应用。     

早产儿超声心脏几何形态学与血流动力学的相关性分析

摘要 目的：探讨与分析早产儿超声心脏几何形态学与血流动力学的相关性。方法：研究时间为2018年8月到2020年6月,选择本院收治的早产儿150例(早产组)和足月儿150例(足月组)作为研究对象,两组新生儿都给予超声检查,记录、左心室舒张期内径(Left ventricular diastolic diameter,LVDd)、左心室收缩期内径(Left ventricular systolic diastolic,LVDs)、左房内径(Left atrial diameter,LAD)、左心室相对厚度(Left ventricular relative wall thickness,LVRWT)、左心室心肌质量(Left ventricular myocardial mass,LVM)、左室后壁舒张期厚度(Left ventricular posterior walldepth,LVPWd)、左心室舒张末期容积(Left ventricular end diastolic volume,LVDV)、左心室收缩末期容积(Left ventricular end systolic volume,LVSV)、每搏输出量(Stroke volume,SV)、左心室射血分数(Left ventricular ejection fraction,LVEF)、左心室缩短分数(Left ventricular fractional shortening,LVFS)等指标并进行相关性分析。结果：早产组的LVDd、LVDs、LAD、LVPWd、LVRWT、LVM值都显著低于足月组(P<0.05)。早产组的LVDV、LVSV、SV值低于足月组(P<0.05),两组LVEF、LVFS值对比差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。在早产组中,Pearson相关性分析显示LVDd、LVDs、LAD、LVPWd、LVRWT、LVM值与LVDV、LVSV、SV值存在正相关性(P<0.05)。Cox比例风险回归模型显示早产儿的出生体重、身长为影响LVDd、LVDV值的主要因素(P<0.05)。结论：早产儿超声心脏几何形态学指标与血流动力学指标呈正相关,提示超声能准确记录和监测早产儿的心脏几何形态学与血流动力学,可作为评估早产儿心功能的一种可靠方法。     

炎症在射血分数保留型心力衰竭中的作用研究进展

射血分数保留型心力衰竭(heart failure with preserved ejection fraction, HFpEF)是指以左心室舒张功能障碍为主要特征且射血分数保留的一种心力衰竭。随着人口老龄化的到来和高血压、肥胖、糖尿病等代谢性疾病的增多，HFpEF患病率持续升高。与射血分数降低型心力衰竭(heart failure with reduced ejection fraction, HFrEF)相比，传统抗心力衰竭药物未能明显降低HFpEF的死亡率，这与HFpEF的病理生理学机制复杂且合并症多相关。已知HFpEF的心脏结构改变主要表现为心肌细胞肥大、心肌纤维化和左心室肥厚，且通常合并肥胖、糖尿病、高血压、肾功能不全等疾病，但这些合并症如何诱发心脏结构和功能损害尚不完全明确。近期研究表明免疫炎症反应在HFpEF进展中发挥重要作用，本文着重综述了炎症在HFpEF发生和发展中的病理作用研究进展及抗炎疗法在HFpEF中的应用进展，以期为HFpEF的深入研究和防治提供参考。     

超声心动图对慢性收缩性心力衰竭预后的预测价值分析

目的:探讨超声心动图对慢性收缩性心力衰竭(心衰)预后的预测价值。方法:选择2016年8月到2018年9月在南京医科大学附属脑科医院(胸科院区)医学影像二科(以我院代替)诊治的慢性收缩性心衰患者112例,均给予超声心动图检查并记录相关指标,随访患者的预后并进行相关性分析。结果:随访至今,112例患者的主要心血管不良事件(Major Adverse Cardiovascular Events,MACE)发生率为18.8%。MACE组患者的左室收缩末期容积(Left ventricular end systolic volume,LVESV)、左室舒张末期容积(Left ventricular end diastolic volume,LVEDV)值显著高于非MACE组患者(P0.05),两组患者左室收缩末期内径(Left ventricular end systolic diameter,LVDs)、左房内径(Left atrial diameter,LAD)、左心室舒张末期内径(Left ventricular end diastolic dimension,LVDd值无统计学差异(P0.05)。患者预后MACE与LVEDV、LVESV值呈显著相关性(P0.05)。LVEDV、LVESV为影响慢性收缩性心衰患者MACE的独立危险因素(P0.05)。结论:超声心动图用于慢性收缩性心衰患者可反映患者的心功能状况,且具有较高的预后预测价值。     

心肌带收缩率与急性心肌梗死患者左心室收缩功能关系

目的:急性前壁心肌梗死明显影响室间隔收缩率和左心室射血分数(left ventricular ejection fraction LVEF)。本文旨在探讨心肌带降段及升段收缩率与急性前壁心肌梗死患者LVEF的相关性。方法:收集2015年4月-2017年2月在心内科住院的急性前壁心肌梗死患者36例,正常对照组患者39例。所有患者取左心室长轴M型超声心动图,测量室间隔收缩率、升段收缩率及降段收缩率。心肌梗死左心室射血分数采用双平面Simpson's法计算。结果:与正常对照组相比,心肌梗死组患者舒张末期心肌带升段厚度没有统计学差异(P=0.69),收缩末期升段厚度(P=0.014)更薄、升段收缩率(P0.01)明显降低;心肌梗死组舒张末期降段厚度(P0.01)更薄、收缩末期降段厚度(P0.01)更薄、降段收缩率(P0.01)明显降低;心肌梗死组左心室射血分数与降段收缩率(r~2=0.13,P=0.026)、室间隔增厚率(r~2=0.19,P0.01)呈正相关,与升段收缩率没有相关性(P0.05)。正常对照组左心室射血分数与室间隔增厚率、降段增厚率及升段增厚率无相关性。经过相关分析,筛选出与心肌梗死LVEF的相关因素,进一步经逐步回归分析,得多元线性回归方程为LVEF=48.206+18.914*LVDD(cm)-25.414*LVSD(cm)。结论:急性前壁心肌梗死室间隔降段收缩率明显受损,与左心室射血分数降低有关。多元线性回归方程可估算前壁心肌梗死LVEF。     

Prediction and assessment of the time-varying effective pulmonary vein area via cardiac MRI and Doppler echocardiography

Accurately estimating left atrial (LA) volume with Doppler echocardiography remains challenging. Using angiography for validation, Marino et al. (Marino P, Prioli AM, Destro G, LoSchiavo I, Golia G, and Zardini P. Am Heart J 127: 886-898, 1994) determined LA volume throughout the cardiac cycle by integrating the velocity-time integrals of Doppler transmitral and pulmonary venous flow, assuming constant mitral valve and pulmonary vein areas. However, this LA volume determination method has never been compared with three-dimensional LA volume data from cardiac MRI, the gold standard for cardiac chamber volume measurement. Previously, we determined that the effective mitral valve area is not constant but varies as a function of time. Therefore, we sought to determine whether the effective pulmonary vein area (EPVA) might be time varying as well and also assessed Marino's method for estimating LA volume. We imaged 10 normal subjects using cardiac MRI and concomitant transthoracic Doppler echocardiography. LA and left ventricular (LV) volumes were measured by MRI, transmitral and pulmonary vein flows were measured by Doppler echocardiography, and time dependence was synchronized via the electrocardiogram. LA volume, estimated using Marino's method, was compared with the MRI measurements. Differences were observed, and the discrepancy between the echocardiographic and MRI methods was used to predict EPVA as a function of time. EPVA was also directly measured from short-axis MRI images and was found to be time varying in concordance with predicted values. We conclude that because EPVA and LA volume time dependence are in phase, LA filling in systole and LV filling in diastole are both facilitated. Application to subjects in select pathophysiological states is in progress.     

A modified regimen of extracorporeal cardiac shock wave therapy for treatment of coronary artery disease

Background

Radiofrequency catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation (AF) has been proved to be effective and to prevent progressive left atrial (LA) remodeling. Cryoballoon catheter ablation (CCA), using a different energy source, was developed to simplify the ablation procedure. Our hypothesis was that successful CCA can also prevent progressive LA remodeling.

Methods

36 patients selected for their first CCA because of nonvalvular paroxysmal AF had echocardiography before and 3, 6 and 12 months after CCA. LA diameters, volumes (LAV) and LA volume index (LAVI) were evaluated. LA function was assessed by: early diastolic velocities of the mitral annulus (Aa_sept, Aa_lat), LA filling fraction (LAFF), LA emptying fraction (LAEF) and the systolic fraction of pulmonary venous flow (PVSF). Detailed left ventricular diastolic function assessment was also performed.

Results

Excluding recurrences in the first 3-month blanking period, the clinical success rate was 64%. During one-year of follow-up, recurrent atrial arrhythmia was found in 21 patients (58%). In the recurrent group at 12 months after ablation, minimal LAV (38 ± 19 to 44 ± 20 ml; p < 0.05), maximal LAV (73 ± 23 to 81 ± 24 ml; p < 0.05), LAVI (35 ± 10 to 39 ± 11 ml/m²; p = 0.01) and the maximal LA longitudinal diameter (55 ± 5 to 59 ± 6 mm; p < 0.01) had all increased. PVSF (58 ± 9 to 50 ± 10%; p = 0.01) and LAFF (36 ± 7 to 33 ± 8%; p = 0.03) had decreased. In contrast, after successful cryoballoon ablation LA size had not increased and LA function had not declined. In the recurrent group LAEF was significantly lower at baseline and at follow-up visits.

Conclusions

In patients whose paroxysmal atrial fibrillation recurred within one year after cryoballoon catheter ablation left atrial size had increased and left atrial function had declined. In contrast, successful cryoballoon catheter ablation prevented progressive left atrial remodeling.     

Left Ventricular Diastolic Dysfunction Assessment with Dual-Source CT

PurposeTo assess the impact of left ventricular (LV) diastolic dysfunction on left atrial (LA) phasic volume and function using dual-source CT (DSCT) and to find a viable alternative prognostic parameter of CT for LV diastolic dysfunction through quantitative evaluation of LA phasic volume and function in patients with LV diastolic dysfunction.ResultsLA ejection fraction (LAEF), LA contraction, reservoir, and conduit function in patients in impaired relaxation group were not different from those in the normal group, but they were lower in patients in the pseudonormal and restrictive LV diastolic dysfunction groups (P < 0.05). For LA conduit function, there were no significant differences between the patients in the pseudonormal group and restrictive filling group (P = 0.195). There was a strong correlation between the indexed maximal left atrial volume (LAVmax, r = 0.85, P < 0.001), minimal left atrial volume (LAVmin, r = 0.91, P < 0.001), left atrial volume at the onset of P wave (LAVp, r = 0.84, P < 0.001), and different stages of LV diastolic function. The LAVi increased as the severity of LV diastolic dysfunction increased.ConclusionsLA remodeling takes place in patients with LV diastolic dysfunction. At the same time, LA phasic volume and function parameters evaluated by DSCT indicated the severity of the LV diastolic dysfunction. Quantitative analysis of LA phasic volume and function parameters using DSCT could be a viable alternative prognostic parameter of LV diastolic function.     

Age is an independent risk factor for left atrial dysfunction: results from an observational study

Introduction. The degenerative changes of myocardial tissue are thought to influence left atrial (LA) function. Changes of left atrial function are generally due to changes in left ventricle (LV) compliance. But valvular dysfunction and hypertension as comorbidity cannot be ignored. Women have a different clinical profile compared with men concerning the risk of heart failure. We investigated the influence of increasing age and gender corrected for comorbidity, on left atrial function. Methods. Using an open access echocardiography database, supplemented with additional LA function measurements, we defined three different LA function parameters. Odds ratios (OR) were calculated to reproduce the relation between age, gender and LA function. The association between age, gender and LA function was estimated, and corrected for comorbid conditions as valve disease, high blood pressure and LV dysfunction, using logistic regression. Results. Higher age was positively correlated with increased LA volume, decreased ejection fraction and increased LA kinetic energy. Age per decade increase, corrected for comorbidity, resulted in an increased risk of LA dysfunction (OR between 1.5 and 1.9). Gender had little influence on LA function parameters except for LA maximal volume. Men had a significantly larger LA maximal volume compared with women. Conclusions. In this open access echocardiography database, increasing age was correlated with LA dysfunction. Age per decade increase, corrected for comorbid conditions such as mitral and aortic valve disease, hypertension and heart failure, is an independent risk factor for LA dysfunction. The gender influence on LA dysfunction seems to be limited. (Neth Heart J 2010;18:243-7.)     

Multivariate Analysis of Correspondence between Left Atrial Volumes Assessed by Echocardiography and 3-Dimensional Electroanatomic Mapping in Patients with Atrial Fibrillation

Background

Left atrial (LA) enlargement is a predictor of worse outcome after catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation (AF). Widely used two-dimensional (2D)-echocardiography is inaccurate and underestimates real LA volume (LAV). We hypothesized that baseline clinical characteristics of patients can be used to adjust 2D-ECHO indices of LAV in order to minimize this disagreement.

Methods

The study enrolled 535 patients (59 ± 9 years; 67% males; 43% paroxysmal AF) who underwent catheter ablation for AF in three specialized centers. We investigated multivariately the relationship between 2D-echocardiographic indices of LA size, specifically LA diameter in M-mode in the parasternal long-axis view (LAD), LAV assessed by the prolate-ellipsoid method (LAV_Ellipsoid), LAV by the planimetric method (LAV_Planimetry), and LAV derived from 3D-electroanatomic mapping (LAV_CARTO).

Results

Cubed LAD of 106 ± 45 ml, LAV_Ellipsoid of 72 ± 24 ml and LAV_Planimetry of 88 ± 30 ml correlated only modestly (r = 0.60, 0.69, and 0.53, respectively) with LAV_CARTO of 137 ± 46 ml, which was significantly underestimated with a bias (±1.96 standard deviation) of -31 (-111; +49) ml, -64 (-132; +2) ml, and -49 (-125; +27) ml, respectively; p < 0.0001 for their mutual difference. LA enlargement itself, age, gender, type of AF, and the presence of structural heart disease were independent confounders of measurement error of 2D-echocardiographic LAV.

Conclusion

Accuracy and precision of all 2D-echocardiographic LAV indices are poor. Their agreement with true LAV can be significantly improved by multivariate adjustment to clinical characteristics of patients.     

Right Ventricular Systolic Dysfunction Is Common in Hypertensive Heart Failure: A Prospective Study in Sub-Saharan Africa

IntroductionRight ventricular (RV) systolic dysfunction is now recognized widely as a strong and independent predictor of adverse outcomes in patients with heart failure (HF). Reduction of RV systolic function more closely predicts impaired exercise tolerance and poor survival than does left ventricular (LV) systolic function. In spite of this, there is a dearth of data on RV function in hypertensive HF which is the commonest form of HF in sub-Saharan Africa. We therefore conducted a prospective cohort study of hypertensive HF patients presenting to the University of Abuja Teaching Hospital, Abuja, Nigeria over an 8 year period.MethodsEach subject had transthoracic echocardiography performed on them according to the guidelines of American Society of Echocardiography. RV systolic function was defined as a tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE) <15mm using M-mode echocardiography.ResultsRV systolic dysfunction was identified in 272 (44.5%) of the 611 subjects that were studied. Subjects with TAPSE less than 15mm had worse prognosis compared to those with TAPSE ≥15mm.There was a significant correlation between TAPSE and other adverse prognostic markers including left and right atrial area, LV size, LV mass, LV ejection fraction, restrictive mitral inflow and RV systolic pressure (RVSP). However, LV ejection fraction and right atrial area were the only independent determinants of RV systolic dysfunction.ConclusionsHypertensive HF is a major cause of RV systolic dysfunction even in a population with a low prevalence of coronary artery disease, and RV systolic dysfunction is associated with poor prognosis in hypertensive HF. Detailed assessment of RV function should therefore be part of the echocardiography evaluation of patients with hypertensive HF.     

Left Atrial Structure and Function in Heart Failure with Preserved Ejection Fraction: A RELAX Substudy

Given the emerging recognition of left atrial structure and function as an important marker of disease in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HF-pEF), we investigated the association between left atrial volume and function with markers of disease severity and cardiac structure in HF-pEF. We studied 100 patients enrolled in the PhosphdiesteRasE-5 Inhibition to Improve CLinical Status and EXercise Capacity in Diastolic Heart Failure (RELAX) trial who underwent cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR), cardiopulmonary exercise testing, and blood collection before randomization. Maximal left atrial volume index (LAVi; N = 100), left atrial emptying fraction (LAEF; N = 99; including passive and active components (LAEF_P, LAEF_A; N = 80, 79, respectively) were quantified by CMR. After adjustment for multiple testing, maximal LAVi was only associated with age (ρ = 0.39), transmitral filling patterns (medial E/e’ ρ = 0.43), and N-terminal pro-BNP (NT-proBNP; ρ = 0.65; all p<0.05). Lower LAEF was associated with older age, higher transmitral E/A ratio and higher NT-proBNP. Peak VO₂ and V_E/VCO₂ slope were not associated with left atrial structure or function. After adjustment for age, sex, transmitral E/A ratio, CMR LV mass, LV ejection fraction, and creatinine clearance, NT-proBNP remained associated with maximal LAVi (β = 0.028, p = 0.0007) and total LAEF (β = -0.033, p = 0.001). Passive and active LAEF were most strongly associated with age and NT-proBNP, but not gas exchange or other markers of ventricular structure or filling properties. Left atrial volume and emptying function are associated most strongly with NT-proBNP and diastolic filling properties, but not significantly with gas exchange, in HFpEF. Further research to explore the relevance of left atrial structure and function in HF-pEF is warranted.     

Assessment of Atrial Fibrillation and Vulnerability in Patients with Wolff-Parkinson-White Syndrome Using Two-Dimensional Speckle Tracking Echocardiography

Purpose

The aim was to assess atrial fibrillation (AF) and vulnerability in Wolff-Parkinson-White (WPW) syndrome patients using two-dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography (2D-STE).

Methods

All patients were examined via transthoracic echocardiography and 2D-STE in order to assess atrial function 7 days before and 10 days after RF catheter ablation. A postoperative 3-month follow-up was performed via outpatient visit or telephone calls.

Results

Results showed significant differences in both body mass index (BMI) and supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) duration between WPW patients and DAVNP patients (both P<0.05). Echocardiography revealed that the maximum left atrial volume (LAV_max) and the left ventricular mass index (LVMI) in diastole increased noticeably in patients with WPW compared to patients with DAVNP both before and after ablation (all P<0.05). Before ablation, there were obvious differences in the levels of SRs, SRe, and SRa from the 4-chamber view (LA) in the WPW patients group compared with patients in the DAVNP group (all P<0.05). In the AF group, there were significant differences in the levels of systolic strain rate (SRs), early diastolic strain rate (SRe), and late diastolic strain rate (SRa) from the 4-chamber view (LA) both before and after ablation (all P<0.05). In the non-AF group, there were decreased SRe levels from the 4-chamber view (LA/RA) pre-ablation compared to post-ablation (all P<0.05).

Conclusion

Our findings provide convincing evidence that WPW syndrome may result in increased atrial vulnerability and contribute to the development of AF. Further, RF catheter ablation of AAV pathway can potentially improve atrial function in WPW syndrome patients. Two-dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography imaging in WPW patients would be necessary in the evaluation and improvement of the overall function of RF catheter ablation in a long-term follow-up period.     

Hemodynamic monitoring by intracardiac impedance measured by cardiac resynchronization defibrillators: Evaluation in a controlled clinical setting (BIO.Detect HF II study)

BackgroundIn patients with cardiac resynchronization therapy defibrillators (CRT-Ds), intracardiac impedance measured by dedicated CRT-D software may be used to monitor hemodynamic changes. We investigated the relationship of hemodynamic parameters assessed by intracardiac impedance and by echocardiography in a controlled clinical setting.MethodsThe study enrolled 68 patients (mean age, 66 ± 9 years; 74% males) at 12 investigational sites. The patients had an indication for CRT-D implantation, New York Heart Association class II/III symptoms, left ventricular ejection fraction 15%–35%, and a QRS duration ≥150 ms. Two months after a CRT-D implantation, hemodynamic changes were provoked by overdrive pacing. Intracardiac impedance was recorded at rest and at four pacing rates ranging from 10 to 40 beats/min above the resting rate. In parallel, echocardiography measurements were performed. We hypothesized that a mean intra-individual correlation coefficient (r_mean) between stroke impedance (difference between end-systolic and end-diastolic intracardiac impedance) measured by CRT-D and the aortic velocity time integral (i.e., stroke volume) determined by echocardiography would be significantly larger than 0.65.ResultsThe hypothesis was evaluated in 40 patients with complete data sets. The r_mean was 0.797, with a lower confidence interval bound of 0.709. The study hypothesis was met (p = 0.007). A stepwise reduction of stroke impedance and stroke volume was observed with increasing heart rate.ConclusionsIntracardiac impedance measured by implanted CRT-Ds correlated well with the aortic velocity time integral (stroke volume) determined by echocardiography. The impedance measurements bear potential and are readily available technically, not requiring implantation of additional material beyond standard CRT-D system.